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The rain always made Roderich think. He thought of days long gone, of unhappy memories and moments of life.
He didn't have to think of those things for long, as the rain brought the mud and the mud brought his wife out to splash in puddles and stomp barefoot through the wet dirt and sludge that covered the garden. He always thought it was a little funny, how the roles of society seemed to switch with them, even in their earliest years together.
Oh, but there he goes, thinking pointless thoughts. Roderich would much rather watch from the dry porch as Erszebet danced and kicked up mud, dirtying one of her older dresses that already had some stains. She hummed a merry tune, light and upbeat, as she twirled. The rain soaked her carefully put up hair (Roderich was quite proud of it, but he liked seeing her with it down), and made it look sleek and shiny, a beautiful shade of brown.
It reminded Roderich of the boy he met, all those years ago, with wild brown hair and an anger that consumed him. He'd swing swords and cut down those who stood in his way with a sadness in his eyes. That boy, who took his hands so kindly, with the knowledge their coming together was simply for their safety and the bettering of their countries.
How wonderful that the young man from all those years ago grew into the lovely lady in front of him today, who truly loved life and lived freely in happiness.
But that simply got him thinking once again, poisonous and painful thoughts. Oh, how he wished he could dance with her, to forsake this damned wheelchair he sat in and kick up the mud and make a mess of himself. Erszebet always invited him to roll in the dirt when they were younger, and he'd always look on disgust at the thought of getting dirty, but now he wanted it more than anything.
Even on his weak legs, he wanted to dance again and feel her hands on his shoulders as they twirled until they were sick and shivering from the rain. It's what he missed the most.
Maybe, if he just tried..?
No, Erszi would stop him immediately and then he wouldn't be able to watch her. He didn't like to ruin her fun, especially when it was something so innocent and cheerful as playing in the mud. He would rather stay here, watching her and feeling the love in his heart.
A soaking wet and muddy woman returned to the porch, laughing exhaustively as she flopped on the ground beside him. "I haven't had fun like that since I was a little kid!" She giggled, resting her head on his thigh. "I'm sorry that you couldn't come out with me. Here, I'll help you up-"
Roderich simply shook his head and smiled. "No, it's okay. I'm happy you're having fun." And he really was. He could watch her live like this for the rest of his immortal life, as happy as can be. "Thank you for thinking of me, darling."
Erszebet smiled, a sweet look that sent his poor old heart into fits (hopefully good ones. He didn't want a heart attack). "Of course. You deserve to have some fun too."
That's all he needed to hear to understand her feelings. She wanted him in this paradise she's carved out for herself. She wanted Roderich as part of her happiness, and he was willing to stay by her side for years to come.
"I love you." And he truly meant it.